NGT flags environmental violations in Handwara-Bangus road project

Srinagar: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Administrative Secretary of the Public Works Department (PWD), Jammu and Kashmir, to appear in person in connection with a petition, alleging environmental violations during the construction of Handwara-Bungus road in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

The petition filed by Advocate and RTI activist Rasikh Rasool Bhat, claims that significant ecological damage occurred during the road construction, including the cutting of over 25,000 forest trees and alleged illegal riverbed mining to extract materials.

These activities were reportedly carried out without obtaining the mandatory environmental clearances.

The Principal Bench of the NGT, comprising Justice Prakash Srivastava (Chairperson), Justice Sudhir Aggarwal (Judicial Member), and Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member), issued the order following repeated non-responses from key respondents.

The bench highlighted that the Administrative Secretary of PWD and the Executive Engineer, R&B Division Handwara, had failed to file replies to notices issued in February 2024.

Advocate Rasikh Rasool stated that he approached the NGT after his appeals to the authorities went unaddressed.

He also expressed concern over the lack of action from the PWD, despite multiple notices and the involvement of senior officials in the matter.

The tribunal noted in its January 2, 2025, order that no explanations were provided by the respondents, even during hearings held on April 25, 2024, August 7, 2024, and November 19, 2024.

The Executive Engineer of R&B Handwara, who appeared before the NGT on January 2, failed to justify the department’s actions or address earlier concerns.

Also, a report submitted by the J&K Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) on November 18, 2024, revealed discrepancies of 2,728.82 metric tons between the materials consumed and the permits obtained for their disposal.

The report also highlighted the absence of proper justification from the executing agency, raising questions about compliance with the J&K Minor Mineral Concession Rules.

The NGT has directed the Administrative Secretary of PWD to appear in person during the next hearing 22 April, 2025 to provide clarification on the alleged violations and address the concerns raised by the petitioner. —(KNO)